India has successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile, marking a major milestone in its defense capabilities. The test, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday, took place from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the successful flight test as a historic achievement, positioning India among a select group of nations with such advanced military technology.
The hypersonic missile, capable of carrying various payloads and with a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers, is designed to serve all branches of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a significant leap in India’s defense capabilities, with the missile’s advanced technology making it capable of reaching speeds between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound — a key characteristic of hypersonic weapons.
Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the armed forces for their achievement, emphasizing that the test places India in the league of countries with hypersonic missile capabilities. “This is a historic moment, and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations with such critical and advanced military technologies,” he posted on social media.
The missile’s development was carried out by the DRDO in collaboration with various laboratories and industry partners under the guidance of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. The flight trial was monitored by senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces personnel, with various range sensors, including radar and telemetry systems, deployed to ensure the missile’s performance met expectations.
This successful test adds to India’s growing arsenal of advanced defense technologies, following earlier tests like the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) flight trial conducted earlier this month. Together, these developments demonstrate India’s increasing capabilities in cutting-edge military technology.
